This year’s Christmas in Palestine will be a somber affair, overshadowed by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. While billions of Christians around the world celebrate the joyous occasion of Jesus’ birth, the 50,000 Christians in Palestine face a harsh reality of dwindling numbers and increasing danger. The recent bombardment of Gaza’s oldest Greek Orthodox Church and the tragic killing of an elderly Christian mother and her daughter in a Catholic church have shaken the safety of Christians in the region.
The traditional ceremonies and rituals that typically characterize Christmas in Palestine will be replaced by simpler ceremonies focused on mourning and prayer. The Lutheran Church, for example, will have the Baby Jesus placed in a manger of rubble and destruction, symbolizing the current state of the region. The question of whether Jesus was Palestinian adds another layer of significance to the situation, as many believe he was born in Bethlehem, in the now Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Reverend Munther Isaac, a Palestinian pastor, stresses the importance of recognizing Bethlehem as a real place with a Christian community that has kept the tradition alive for 2,000 years. He draws parallels between the story of Jesus’ birth and the displacement and oppression faced by Palestinians throughout history. Just as Jesus’ family was forced to register for the census in Bethlehem under the Roman empire, Palestinians have been subjected to various empires and continuous displacement.
The procession of the patriarch from Jerusalem to Bethlehem is one of the most significant Christmas rituals in Palestine. This year, however, the bands and scouts that typically accompany the procession will be absent, and the procession itself will be silent. Upon reaching the Church of Nativity, prayers will be held from 5pm local time until midnight, with the midnight mass broadcasted for the world to see.
The absence of the usual festive decorations and celebrations is palpable this year. Instead of a Christmas tree at Manger Square, a new kind of crib made from rubble will be displayed as a symbol of solidarity with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, a video will be screened on the wall of the Nativity Church, shedding light on the situation in Gaza.
The mobility of Palestinians is heavily restricted by stringent permit rules, making it difficult for families to visit Jerusalem for Christmas shopping as they did in the past. Despite these challenges, Christmas remains a time for families to come together. In Bethlehem, the term “family” extends beyond immediate relatives to include the entire clan, with large gatherings followed by visits to individual homes, feasting on rice and meat, and exchanging homemade desserts and delicacies.
Christmas is not only a Christian holiday in Palestine but also a national holiday recognized by the Palestinian Authority. Government offices are typically closed on Christmas day, and even Palestinian Muslims visit Bethlehem to attend the parade and take pictures with the Christmas tree, as Jesus’ connection to Bethlehem holds deep significance for Palestinians.
As the world celebrates Christmas, the plight of Christians in Palestine serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the need for peace and justice in the region. This year’s silent night in Palestine shines a harsh light on the reality faced by the Christian community, urging the international community to take notice and work towards a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all people in the region.
